The Norwegian Outstanding Young Investigators scheme:

20 new Outstanding Young Investigators

For the second time, The Research Council of Norway has announced funding under the scheme for Outstanding Young Investigators (OYI). From a total of 179 applicants, 20 have now been selected to share NOK 175 million of research funding over the next four years.

The OYI scheme is designed to enable talented young researchers within all disciplines to realise their potential and achieve international excellence in research. The scheme is part of the effort to enhance the quality of Norwegian research and to develop highly competent research leaders.

This is the second time that OYI funding has been announced by The Research Council. In total, there will now be 46 researchers receiving financing for their projects through the scheme.

40 per cent women
A number of accomplished and talented women researchers receive funding from the OYI scheme.
The 20 researchers that have been selected in this round of funding will receive a total of NOK 175 million over the next four years. The average age of the candidates is 35, with the youngest and eldest being 25 and 41 respectively. Women researchers represent 40 per cent of the group.

"We are extremely pleased that the proportion of women among the new Outstanding Young Investigators is as high as 40 per cent", said Arvid Hallén, Director General of the Research Council. "Our specific encouragement of women to apply for the scheme has clearly been successful. We have waited for the increased proportion of women who are being recruited at the doctorate level in Norway to provide us with a greater number of accomplished and talented women researchers. Through the OYI scheme, the selected individuals are being given a real opportunity to further develop themselves as researchers".

"The OYI scheme is an example of how we are ensuring that our best researchers receive greater funding. This will improve Norwegian research", states Hallén.

Outstanding Young Investigators (OYI)
The Research Council of Norway established its scheme for Outstanding Young Investigators (OYI), in 2003. The OYI scheme is designed to enable talented young researchers within all disciplines to realise their potential and achieve international excellence in research. The scheme is part of the effort to develop highly competent research leaders and to enhance the quality of Norwegian research.

Grant applications are accepted from the university and university college sector as well as the independent research institutes.

OYI funding is available to accomplished young researchers who are at an early stage in their careers. The announcement in 2006 particularly encouraged women researchers to apply.